Calls for Suspension of the eThekwini City Manager

Statement by Councillor Thabani Mthethwa – DA eThekwini Caucus Leader:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini welcomes the decisive move by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, to expose the blatant abuse of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) within the municipality, as confirmed by the findings of the Auditor-General (AG).

We have since written to Mayor Cyril Xaba, calling for the City Manager, Musa Mbhele, to be suspended pending a full investigation as well as an urgent sitting of the Executive Committee ( EXCO) to ensure that immediate oversight measures are implemented.

The inaction from the City Manager who has been aware of these issues since at least 2022 is concerning. It demonstrates a clear lack of urgency and commitment to rooting out corruption within the municipality. This failure of leadership has directly contributed to the continuation of these irregularities.

There must be consequences for those implicated, and decisive steps must be taken to restore public trust.

For years, since as far back as 2018, the DA has consistently called for a full headcount and a thorough investigation into irregularities within the EPWP. Our concerns were repeatedly dismissed by the ANC-led administration, despite clear indications of widespread corruption. These included allegations of ghost workers, individuals residing outside of eThekwini benefiting from the programme, and even students who never rendered any service being unlawfully placed on the payroll.

The AG’s findings now vindicate our position and expose a deeply entrenched culture of patronage and abuse of public resources. It is particularly troubling that ANC branch members are alleged to have directly benefited from this programme, turning what is meant to be a poverty alleviation initiative into a political reward system.

The DA further notes the ANC’s continued arrogance and lack of transparency when it comes to the administration of the EPWP. Instead of acting decisively on repeated warnings, the leadership chose to ignore credible concerns, allowing corruption to fester unchecked.

We further welcome the swift action taken by the Minister and the MEC for Public Works in pushing for accountability. This intervention is long overdue and necessary to begin restoring integrity to the programme.

The residents of eThekwini deserve a municipality that prioritises service delivery and accountability over political patronage. The DA remains committed to exposing corruption and ensuring that every cent of public money is used for its intended purpose.